Finally, the weather is breaking, and it’s even harder to be motivated to complete homework assignments. At this time of year, we get more calls to help students who have fallen behind. The good news is that with the right strategies, students can get on top of homework and feel more in control. Hopefully, some of these tips can help your children.

Visualizing

Visualize what it will feel like to have all your homework assignments done and have time to do your favorite leisure activities without a feeling of dread or discontent. See yourself starting homework right away, completing an assignment, and pressing “send”. Visualize yourself skateboarding or biking or hanging with friends with a feeling of accomplishment.

Tackling Procrastination

My favorite technique for getting started on a homework assignment is called “the 10-minute advance”. Set up all your materials. Set a timer and begin by working for ten minutes. Then take a break. Then start homework with focus, avoiding TV, texting, bothersome family members, and other distractions.

Distractions

Schedule a short “distraction break” every half hour to reward productivity or take short breaks in between assignments. If you can work steadily for 20-30 minutes, you can achieve the feeling of “flow,” and the motivation returns.

Organization and Time Management

Use a system to keep track of homework assignments, such as a physical planner or online calendar. Even though most of us are now digitally oriented, many students benefit from using a large calendar as a placemat to keep track of long-term assignments and allot regular study time, thus avoiding cramming. Schedule homework and study time for a set period each day, taking extra-curricular activities into account. Schedule time for parents to quiz students on vocabulary and quiz/test review or to have AI create a study guide and practice quiz for you. Active study strategies are much more effective than passive studying such as reading through the material.

Nutrition and Comfort

Increase productivity by having a healthy snack before beginning homework. Avoid snacks and drinks with excessive sugar. Snack on nutrition-rich foods and avoid those with empty calories. Do homework in a comfortable place. The couch is OK as long as there are no distractions.

Exercise

Exercise before starting homework. Stretch and take walks in between assignments. Research shows that exercise helps with focus by increasing levels of dopamine and epinephrine in the brain.

Improving Motivation

If you are still struggling with motivation, it is time to ask yourself some questions:

• Do you understand the instructions? If not, get clarification from the teacher or classmate.
• Have you mapped out a time schedule and plan to complete the homework assignment?
• Is there something to help you get focused, such as background music?
• Have you planned a break and reward after 20-30 minutes?
• Do you understand the material or need assistance?

You already know that spending regular individualized time with a tutor or academic coach will help your child with all of these strategies and more. Now is the time to make sure homework is under control!

See more strategies from Fairfax County Public Schools.

Set up tutoring or academic coaching with a professional tutor

By Cheryl Gedzelman, President